🌟 Welcome to an exclusive and enlightening conversation with Jo Webster, the dynamic and passionate founder of Ornate Piercing and Tattoos, nestled in the heart of Burntwood, Staffordshire. In this candid interview, Jo opens up about her inspiring journey, the challenges and triumphs of running a unique tattoo and piercing studio, and her deep-rooted commitment to quality, safety, and community engagement. From overcoming the hurdles of COVID-19 to setting new standards in the industry, Jo’s story is not just about artistic expression but also about resilience, innovation, and the power of staying true to one’s values. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to dive into the world of Ornate Piercing and Tattoos, where artistry meets excellence, and every piercing and tattoo tells a story of dedication and passion. 🌈💉🎨
BB (Burntwood Business): 🌟 Welcome Jo, thanks for being here today. Could you share with our readers the story behind Ornate Piercing and Tattoos in Burntwood?
JW (Jo Webster): Yes, of course, Thank you for asking me to do this. I’ve been a body piercer since 2012; I’ve worked in a fair few places within that time, moving around for personal circumstances or making changes to grow my business. I decided to take the plunge and open my own studio so I could fully work how I wanted to and to the highest standards I could, so Ornate was born. We started in a premises on High Street Chasetown in March 2020, we were open for three weeks and then Covid hit, so we were closed for the lockdowns with being able to open for short times in between. It was a very difficult time for a brand-new business. I was also a single parent to my (then) 2-year-old daughter at that time, but we survived. I chose to move to a new premises in March 2023, just a few minutes up the road to Sankeys Corner, Bridge Cross Road. We unfortunately had a burglary 6 weeks after we moved in, so our first year has been rebuilding after that happened, but we are very settled in now, and we all love the space, including our clients.
BB: 🤔 WOW! That’s a rollercoaster of a business startup! What inspired you to start a tattoo and piercing business in Burntwood?
JW: That’s easy. Burntwood is my hometown, so that was a big part in choosing to open here. To be able to offer safe, high-quality services to family, friends, my school friends, children, and others in the area brings me a lot of pride and happiness.
BB: 💎 We know the answer here, but tell our readers, what sets Ornate Piercing and Tattoos apart from other studios?
JW: I am the only member of The UKAPP (United Kingdom Association of Professional Piercers) in Staffordshire, The UKAPP is a non profit organisation with a board made up of piercers, who work to regulate other piercers and make positive changes within the industry as a whole. To become a member, you must work to a certain set of standards. A few examples are the types of jewellery you use, certain equipment like sterile gloves, continued education such as First Aid, CPR, Bloodborne Pathogen training and much more. I opened my own studio to be able to work to these higher standards for the safety of my clients. They deserve only the best. I also have tattoo artists working within the studio, and they also work to their own high standards as well as the studio standards set by myself.
BB: 💪 As a woman leading a business in the tattoo industry, how do you feel about your impact on the local community and the industry at large?
JW: We are slightly different as we are, first and foremost, a piercing studio that also offers Tattoo appointments. This is a bit different within the industry as piercing is usually secondary to the tattoo side of businesses. I wanted the studio to feel like a safe and enjoyable space for women and everyone to experience: light, colourful, and relaxing. Which also portrays the high quality we offer. As a business, we have supported local charities such as Pathway Project in Lichfield and local businesses. Giving donations, buying from Amazon wish lists, vouchers, and helping buy items like temporary tattoos and raffle prizes and more for certain local schools’ Christmas events. I really love to help and support the local community where we can.
BB: 🌟 We love the community spirit; it’s what we are about, too. How do you ensure a unique and satisfying experience for your clients at Ornate?
JW: I wanted to create a business that offers above and beyond service for every client, we are appointment only so that we can give our undivided attention to our clients, our high standards ensure that clients get the very best service and products. For piercings, I offer an aftercare service many people have never experienced! I offer regular checkups to all clients to ensure they have a positive healing experience and if any issues do arise, we can resolve them quickly and efficiently. This is for the life of your piercing. The jewellery companies that we stock all offer lifetime guarantees on any manufacturer’s defects, which gives clients peace of mind that in the unlikely event, a gem were to come loose, for example, it will be replaced for free, for life!
BB: 🧼 That is a great thing to know, not something you would know without diving into your business set up. So, what safety and hygiene practices do you follow in your studio?
JW: We continue our education constantly, by attending UKAPP conference annually, I’ve also attended the APP conference in Las Vegas. Continued education helps us to keep up with the latest products and practises, as well as renew first aid, CPR and bloodborne pathogen training annually and when needed. We use hospital-grade cleaning products. We have regular collections from a clinical waste company so our medical grade waste is disposed of safely. We are all available for aftercare services for clients.
BB: 📈 What are the current trends in tattoos and piercings you’re seeing in the UK?
JW: Piercing has a bit of a repeating trend each year; you get certain piercings more at certain times throughout the year, the start of the school holidays for the kid’s first lobe piercings is the main one for this trend, we will sometimes get a piercing that becomes more popular, especially if a celebrity has something, we can then get an increase in these particular piercings. Generally most of the time we get a mixed bag, ears and facial piercings are most popular for me. For the tattoo side, we have one artist who does a lot of Disney designs; they are always quite popular. cover-ups are something both artists work with when clients haven’t been happy with work done elsewhere and require covering. Memorial tattoos are another that is quite popular too.
BB: 🎨 Your Studios Tattoo work is amazing, can you tell us about your process for creating custom tattoo designs for your clients?
JW: A lot of the time, clients come to us with a general idea of what they want or have reference pictures from the internet they’ve seen. We then will discuss aspects of the tattoo they want, for example, the size, placement and style, and then we will customise the design for them. It’s important for us not to copy other artists’ work or tattoos, as we take great pride in our designs, so we want to give our best work to our clients to ensure they’re happy with their tattoos for a long time!
BB: 🖌️ What inspires your tattoo artists, Cheyenne and Amber, in their work?
JW: We take inspiration from all sorts of places, whether the music we listen to, films we watch, our favourite artists or games we play. Inspiration is everywhere so once we get inspired to draw something, we run with it! Clients also inspire us, as we take great gratification from making them happy and loving their tattoos and even helping them to love their bodies again.
BB: 💉 Jo, as a UKAPP registered piercer, what do you believe is essential for a quality piercing experience?
JW: Continued education is very important; not becoming complacent with how you were originally taught, things can change a lot in a few years in any industry. I’m very passionate about the piercing industry and giving clients the best products and services I can. Always learning, gaining knowledge on how to be a good piercer, understanding anatomy, angles and bevel theory, aseptic techniques, and a strong moral compass and compassion. I absolutely will not perform a piercing I know will not be viable. I will not pierce children if they are saying no. Body autonomy is hugely important to teach the younger clients I get in. Your body, your choice. I could go on but I think that’s enough for now haha 🤣
BB: 💍 How do you curate your collection of fine, luxury jewellery for piercings?
JW: I wear/have worn various pieces of jewellery from each of the companies I stock, to check how they wear and the quality of the products. It’s nice for clients to see how some of the jewellery looks in the body as well. I do research into the companies and view their jewellery designs and stone options, check their values and that they work ethically. I try to pick out a varied selection of jewellery to suit all tastes. Varying in price range as well. To make it accessible to as many clients as we can without cutting corners on quality. It’s very difficult sometimes not to order pieces I prefer myself haha! I’d have it all if I could! For myself and the cabinets 😂
BB: 🚀 What are your future goals for Ornate Piercing and Tattoos?
JW: I want to continue to offer safe, fun, and relaxed experiences for all new and returning clients. Growing my jewellery range and offering my quality service to as many people as possible. The same is true for tattoo artists, who continue to build their client bases and offer their great services and art to those clients. I also organise a tattoo convention that takes place in Wolverhampton called Halloween Tattoo Bash, so I will also continue to grow that show, increase footfall and bring more fun and exciting things to this too.
BB: 🌟 Finally, what advice would you give to those looking to start their own business in the tattoo and piercing industry?
JW: Get to know your local REPUTABLE studio. Learn what to look for to determine a reputable studio from an outdated studio that’s not continually learning. Book in and get work done, get to know the artists/piercers. Research everything: reputable artists/piercers, healed work, jewellery companies, jewellery quality, equipment, tattoos, draw!!! Draw all the time! Never get complacent. Apprenticeships are very hard to come by but don’t give up. Short courses are a waste of money and time. Follow your dreams!
BB: Jo, we can’t thank you enough for your time today, and we hope to hear from you again sometime soon. Thank you
As we conclude our insightful journey with Jo Webster of Ornate Piercing and Tattoos, we are left inspired by her resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to her craft and community. Jo’s story is a testament to the beauty and depth that the world of piercing and tattoo artistry holds.
To our dear readers, if you ever find yourself in Burntwood, Staffordshire, we wholeheartedly encourage you to visit Ornate Piercing and Tattoos. It’s not just a studio; it’s a place where art comes to life, where each piercing and tattoo is crafted with care and excellence. Meet Jo and her talented team, experience their warm hospitality, and perhaps, find your own way to express your individuality through their art.
Thank you, Jo, for sharing your journey and insights with us. Your story is not just inspiring; it’s a beacon for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs. To our readers, don’t miss the chance to experience the unique atmosphere and artistry at Ornate Piercing and Tattoos. Who knows, it might just be where your next story begins.
🌟 Visit Ornate Piercing and Tattoos – where every visit is an experience, and every client is family. 🌟
